Good morning, Central Coast. Here are the top stories from Daybreak:
- Phoenix flights end in Santa Maria: Direct flights between Phoenix and Santa Maria Airport officially ended today. American Airlines says the route did not meet performance expectations less than a year after launching nonstop service.
- Local seniors receive college scholarships: The Oceano Five Cities Elks Lodge awarded $24,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors during an awards dinner this week. Fifteen scholarships were given to students from four schools, including Jared Aguilera, who plans to attend University of California, Irvine and pursue a career in medicine.
- Judge denies motion in Buzzard case: Ashlee Buzzard appeared in court this week as a judge denied a defense motion challenging a search warrant tied to the investigation into her daughter Melodee’s death. Prosecutors argued investigators had probable cause, while the defense claimed the warrant relied on a “hunch” rather than specific facts.
Authorities served a new search warrant this week at the Arroyo Grande home of Susan Flores, the mother of convicted killer Paul Flores, in connection with the 1996 murder of Kristin Smart. Investigators say the search is part of the ongoing effort to locate Smart’s remains, which have never been found. Officials have not released additional details, but say they remain committed to bringing Kristin home.
Wildlife officials say black bear sightings are becoming more common in Santa Barbara County and across the Central Coast. Experts view the increase as a positive sign for conservation efforts, saying California’s bear population has steadily rebounded in recent years. Officials are reminding residents to secure trash and remove food sources to avoid attracting bears into neighborhoods.
The Santa Maria City Council approved solid waste rate increases that will impact more than 20,000 customer accounts. City officials say the higher rates are needed to cover rising operational and landfill costs. The increases will affect residential and commercial customers over the next several years.
